In short: muddy marvelousIn full: well , from the start of the first climb I realised that I was a bit under prepared for this race , a series of gruelling ascents,reach the lofty plateau of May Hill ,it is here that the best views are and where the best running is. The track then twists and turns through some fast ,muddy descents (great fun)to level out and snake through copse/woodland,these tracks were knee deep in the mud any thoughts of a PB vanish here unless your an elite mud runner....the race then opens out onto a field through which you can regain your composure before a final tough push back onto the summit (nearly) of May hill again...then a final 2 mile downhill dash to the finish ..a well organised race and friendly with it ...all this for less than a tenner.I think this will become a classic of the future..this is only the fourth year.Thanks to all the marshalls and there were a lot of them.see you next yearDate of review: February 7, 2010

In short: chaotic carnival atmosphere...i loved itIn full: I think that the GNR was one of the most inspiring events i have ever run, the people of the north east turned out in droves to cheer on the runners/walkers/joggers, i do understand some of the negatives if you are very competative , however if you are happy to run because you like running then this race delivers on all counts..i loved the mental start with all the oggi, oggi oggi's in the underpasses, and post race transport was excellent, the scenary was not great but the tyne bridge at the start and the view over south shield at the end was terrific. i think that i would like to do the race again next yearDate of review: September 22, 2009